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All winter, we’ve been dreaming about lazing on the banks of the Hampstead Heath bathing ponds, sipping a warm lager, before gently nodding off to sleep to the sounds of quacking ducks, and people screaming as they hit the cold water. This weekend, rejoice, because the ponds are officially back.
Hampstead mixed bathing pond will reopen this Saturday, April 12, just in time for a 22C warm snap. Sun’s out, buns out.
The ponds will return with a splash, opening from 7am to 4.15pm on Saturday, and from 7am until 6.15pm on Sunday.
Women have been using the mixed pond during the winter as maintenance was carried out the Kenwood Ladies’ Pond, which reopened on Wednesday, April 9. The men’s pond has been operating as normal.
But from tomorrow all genders will be able to swim together. Be prepared for a chill though. In a post on X, Hampstead Heath said the water temperature is currently around 11/12C.
A single adult’s ticket has risen to £4.80 in 2025, up from £4.70 last year. Concession rates for disabled swimmers or people on Universal Credit are now £2.90, while a six-month season ticket costs £77.50, and an annual pass is £150.50. The price for kids between 8-15 has stayed the same, with a junior swim costing £1.40.
A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation told Ham & High: ‘We remain committed to keeping the Heath’s swimming facilities affordable while preserving them for future generations to enjoy.’
Booking is open, and can be done online here.
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